Harry Maguire won’t be relieved of his leadership duties, as has been insisted by Erik ten Hag. Maguire came under immense pressure to give up his captainship with Cristiano Ronaldo favoured to take over.
However, new manager Ten Hag has backed the £80 million center-back to continue as the team’s leader under his helm. Maguire’s poor form continued last season, which cost him his place in the starting eleven.
Speculations were rife that the England international will lose his captain’s armband as well with a change in managerial position. But Ten Hag has jumped into the defense of Maguire, now stating that the canter-back remains as his captain.
Erik ten Hag pledges his support to Maguire and other struggling stars
Ten Hag and United are currently in Bangkok for the preseason, where the manager addressed numerous issues in the press conference. At the same time, Ten Hag pledged his support for Maguire as well.
Ten Hag said, “Harry Maguire is our captain. I have to get to know all the players, but he’s an established captain and he’s achieved a lot of success.”
On the other hand, United are still looking to buy a center-back in the transfer market. Lisandro Martinez, Ten Hag’s former associate from Ajax is highly linked with a move to Old Trafford.
While Arsenal are also in fray to sign the Argentine defender, United have upped their offer and tabled a bid of £43 million to pip the Gunners. Though Martinez is yet to make a decision, United hold the advantage with a Ten Hag reunion on the cards for the defender.
Ten Hag further continued to reveal his plans for United outcasts Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. Rashford sat on the bench for majority of the last season, while Martial was sent out on loan at Sevilla in January.
In his 13 league starts last season, Rashford managed a mere 4 goals and 2 assists. Martial too endured a torrid period at Sevilla, making only 9 appearances with an assist at his name.
Ten Hag said, “What I know and see is they (Rashford and Martial) have an impact on the opponent and can hurt opponents.”
He continued, “But we have not played one game, we have to find out. We work for two weeks, they are fitting really good together and we have to find out what is the best.”
United now face Liverpool in the preseason, where they are without star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who wants an exit. Ten Hag will have to resolve that issue as well before the new season kicks-off.